Georgetown Police Collect 230 Pounds of Medication During National Drug Take Back Day
Donald C. Cudmore, Chief of Police
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]
Georgetown Police Collect 230 Pounds of Medication During National Drug Take Back Day
GEORGETOWN — Chief Donald C. Cudmore is pleased to announce that the Georgetown Police Department turned in 230 pounds of unused medication following National Drug Take Back Day.
In collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Georgetown Police coordinated a “take back” event on April 27 at the Georgetown Police Station on Central Street.
The collection event was part of a semi-annual initiative, where thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country work to provide community members with an easy, accessible way to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription drugs.
This April’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day set new records, according to the DEA, as approximately 6,400 collection sites were set up by local, state, tribal and federal groups. As a result, approximately 469 tons of prescription medications were collected and disposed of.
Since the first Prescription Drug Take Back Day event was held in the fall of 2010, approximately 5,908 tons of medication has been collected through semi-annual, DEA sponsored events.
“Prescription Drug Take Back Days are incredibly important, and effective, as communities everywhere continue to combat the opioid epidemic and spread awareness,” Chief Cudmore said. “These events give residents the opportunity to remove unwanted or expired medications from their homes and know that these drugs will be properly disposed of.”
Drug Take Back events also serve as an opportunity for law enforcement agencies to educate the public about the potential for abuse of medications. Studies suggest that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Residents who missed National Drug Take Back Day can still turn in their unused medications at the Georgetown Police Department’s kiosk, which is located in the police station lobby. Residents should note that liquids, needles or sharps are not accepted.
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